And now have I finished a work which neither the wrath of Jove, nor fire, nor steel, nor all-consuming time can destroy. Welcome the day which can destroy only my physical man in ending my uncertain life. In my better part I shall be raised to immortality above the lofty stars, and my name shall never die.
Tamque opus exegi quod nec Jovis ira necignes
Nec poterit ferrum, nec edax abolere vetustas.
Cum volet illa dies quæ nil nisi corporis hujus
Jus habet, incerti spatium mihi siniut ævi;
Parte tamen meliore mei super alta perennis
Astra ferar, nomenque erit indelebile nostrum.
Nec poterit ferrum, nec edax abolere vetustas.
Cum volet illa dies quæ nil nisi corporis hujus
Jus habet, incerti spatium mihi siniut ævi;
Parte tamen meliore mei super alta perennis
Astra ferar, nomenque erit indelebile nostrum.
Original text (Latin)